Medizintechnik Wien

stimulette den2x

stimulette den2x Dr. Schuhfried

The stimulette den2x is a compact, high performance two-channel electrotherapy device that was developed to be used exclusively for stimulating denervated muscles. It features the latest microcontroller technology, a graphic LCD display and simple operation by touch sensors. Until now, adequate electrotherapy devices for the rehabilitation of paraplegic patients with flaccid paralyses have not been available.

The EU Project RISE – a team of scientists and physicians from Austria, Germany, Italy, United Kingdom, Slovenia and Iceland – was initiated in 2001 in order to acquire essential insights in functional electrical stimulation (FES) of denervated muscles. The EU Project RISE demonstrates that home-based FES of denervated muscle is an effective home therapy that results in rescue of muscle mass and tetanic contractility. For paraplegic patients with complete lower motor neuron denervation FES is the only option in the treatment of denervated muscles. This procedure allows to counteract muscle atrophy and muscle degeneration.

Direct and indirect benefits of stimulating denervated muscles:

Recovery of muscle mass and fiber size

Recovery of tetanic contractility

Restoration of muscle fiber structure

Enhanced cushioning effect for seating

Better skin condition

Reduced risk of pressure sores

Improved cosmetic appearance of lower extremities

Increased self-esteem

If standing upright is accomplished:

Improved cardiovascular fitness

Unloading of seating surface

Biphasic rectangular or ramp shaped long-duration impulses of very high intensity are required to stimulate denervated muscles. This stimulator is capable of delivering impulses with current intensities of up to ±300mA, with strict avoidance of DC components. Twelve individual therapy sequences may be programmed and allocated to function keys. Due to the user friendly, self-explaining menu design, the individual programming of these therapy sequences is easy to accomplish and does not require extensive schooling. Ramp and rectangular current waveforms with and without train envelope may be chosen. Sequence of impulse delivery over time is adjusted by various time parameters (rise time, decay time, impulse duration, interpulse pause, surge duration, surge interval).

The following parameters are programmable:

Impulse amplitude: max. ±300mA

Impulse waveform: rectangular / ramp shaped (3 different waveforms)

Impulse duration ID: 10ms 200ms

Impulse pause IP: 10ms 2s

Surge duration: 100ms 11s

Surge interval: 100ms 11s

Treatment duration: 1 – 59min

Treatment period, maximal current intensity and the number of activated current waveforms may be selected in a password-protected manner. Only the original safety electrodes may be used for therapy, for safety reasons. These newly developed electrodes are licensed to Schuhfried (Patent W. Mayr AT503420; WO2007/131248).

This invention is a surface electrode for transcutaneous electrical-stimulation which, as long as it is applied correctly, prevents excessive local current density and ensuing potential
skin burns.